Recruiting international students isn’t exclusive to big-name universities at the top of global rankings. As it becomes easier for students of all countries to access information, colleges of all sizes can show off everything they have to offer and catch the eye of the brightest international applicants.
If your institution has not yet ventured into international recruitment, now is the time to start. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of internationalizing your school and building a solid international recruitment plan.
The importance of international students on campus
A total of 1,126,690 international students enrolled in U.S. universities during the 2023/24 academic year, increasing 7% over the previous year and putting the number at an all-time high. Still, the sum is only a fraction of the 6,9 million international students that went abroad in the past year, according to Project Atlas.
Although they are often the protagonists of the debate on international education, they aren’t alone in reaping the benefits of a globalized university. This is how their presence on campus can change the future of fellow students and faculty:
Contribution to research and professional development
Their wealth of cultural perspectives encourages intercultural dialogue and understanding among students, faculty, and staff. The effects of a diverse environment ripple into class discussions, extracurricular activities, and social interactions, creating an inclusive and progressive campus where exchanging ideas enriches the academic experience at all levels.
The significance of international students’ contributions to research becomes clear in their absence: as Nature reported following restrictions to international enrollment in countries like Australia and Canada, multiple universities have gone into financial trouble, announcing job cuts and a decline in available research funding.
As the job market becomes more globally competitive, students become mindful of pursuing an education that develops hard and soft skills that turn them into notable candidates internationally. Newcastle University professor Richard Davies points out the role of international students in this process, saying that their presence “enriches the learning environment for students, supports the provision of high-quality education and research, and strengthens our universities’ offer for employers.”
Economical impact
Beyond cultural growth, they contribute significantly to local and national economies. According to NAFSA, international students contributed more than U$40 billion to the American economy in the 2022/23 academic year, and their financial revenue supported over 360 thousand jobs across the country.
When international students arrive in a new country, their living expenses support local businesses and inject more money into sectors like housing, transportation, and entertainment, creating a domino effect that generates an economic boost and makes the region and the university more attractive to future applicants.
Maintaining enrollment numbers
Recruiting international students may soon become a necessity for American universities in the face of the long-anticipated enrollment cliff. The most recent report from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education found that, after peaking in 2025, the number of high school graduates in the U.S. will begin a steady decline for the upcoming 15 years – until 2041.
For colleges in danger of facing the upcoming demographic shortage, international recruitment can control the drop in enrollment numbers. Although a strategy like this may take time to produce considerable results, it is a powerful investment for the future.
Ultimately, their presence raises the school’s influence both on a local and macro level: not only will the university contribute to regional economic growth, but the research advancements and educational prestige that come with becoming a global campus will increase the institution’s international notoriety over the long term.
What international students look for in a university
Developing an effective strategy for attracting international students requires understanding their priorities and concerns.
Safety is often at the top of that list. Living in a foreign country away from family and loved ones makes cautionary measures essential in ensuring every student feels safe and protected during their studies. When addressing potential applicants, highlight safety protocols such as secure dormitories, 24/7 campus security, and mental health support.
International students also require assistance navigating visa requirements, enrollment processes, and cultural adjustments. Dedicated support services – like specialized advisors, cultural orientation programs, and language assistance – can make a significant difference.
Affordability is another major factor. Transparent tuition and fee structures and information on scholarships and financial aid opportunities are indispensable. Affordable living costs and cost-saving options like on-campus jobs can go a long way in attracting international students.
Career outcomes complete the list of top concerns. Because so much time and money goes into an international degree, they expect to obtain outstanding professional benefits from their investment. Promote your institution’s career services, internship programs, and alumni success stories.
Partnerships with local businesses and industries can make your institution more appealing to career-focused applicants.
Starting your international recruitment
Understanding the necessities of international students is only the first step in creating a recruitment plan. For a successful strategy, these concerns must be addressed in depth while highlighting everything your school offers to expand the campus experience beyond academic results.
Take note of which countries show the most interest in your institution and assess how your programs can help students meet their goals. With consistent effort, your institution can soon become the dream destination of the brightest international students.
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